Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Ashley McDowell
University of New Haven
For most individuals, mental health and suicide prevention are challenging topics to discuss. With suicidal behaviors and/or thoughts being among the larger category of mental health issues, over 700,000 lives are lost to suicide each year, which is of significant concern to the general public (WHO, 2021). Further, discussions about mental health and suicide can be even harder for law enforcement officers (LEOs), as they are held to a high standard of strength and precision. Communities rely on law enforcement to perform their duties effectively and make sound judgments in response to life-threatening situations. However, the day-to-day work of police officers may be impacted by extraordinary circumstances. Suicide prevention and wellness programs for law enforcement officers, agencies, and the community are vital to improve overall mental wellness and prevent the devastating tragedies of suicide.